TIMU Write

This week we're looking at the new editor on the block - TIMU Write! We've integrated this new tool into the workflows you use every day- you'll use it as a more robust editor for composing longer chat messages, to create and edit TIMU-native documents without external apps, and as an editor for wikis, letting you create and link documents together as wiki pages. Read on to learn all about TIMU Write!

TIMU Write is a versatile document editor that we've created to improve some of the existing tools, while also bringing new functionality and a consistent interface across multiple modules. You'll encounter it in Chats, Discussions, Comment Feeds, Files modules and Wikis, and Task modules! TIMU Write does all of these:

Replaces the old Chat mode/Compose mode toggle for Chats, Discussions, and Comment feeds.

Creates linked documents to act as wiki pages in a Files module.

Lets you create a document directly in a 'file' type custom field on a task - no need to upload anything or use an external app!

Create documents in a Files module without external apps or uploading

Lets multiple users collaboratively make edits to the same document in real-time.

Tools and Features

The editor comprises three main sections- the central document editing area, a discussion feed in the sidebar, and a tabbed toolbar at the top of the editor.

Formatting Options

The Format tab has three sets of tools for editing the text in your document:

Type - create bold, italic, or underline text, as well as hyperlinks.

Lists - create ordered or unordered lists. While building your list, you can use the Tab key to increase the level of indentation, and Shift+Tab to decrease it. Use the 'lift' button to switch back to regular text entry.

Styles - use these buttons to change the font size. You can choose from the default 'paragraph' style, or three different 'heading' styles.

Inserting Content

The Insert tab lets you add content to your TIMU Write document. You can insert an existing image from a Files module, or upload one from your computer. You also have the option to create a table in your document.

After you insert a table, the Table Layout tab will appear. From this menu, you can add or remove rows and columns from your table. The following options are available:

Add Rows - create a blank row above or below the cursor position.

Add Columns - create a blank column to the left or right of the cursor position.

Remove Cells - delete the entire row or column at the cursor position.

Editing and Saving

TIMU Write automatically saves your document as you work. The save status is displayed at the top of the window, next to the file name. Make sure your document status is 'saved' before closing!

When you need to undo an edit, or re-insert something you removed from the document, you can use the 'undo' and 'redo' buttons. These are accessible no matter which toolbar tab you are working in.

Collaboration

We've built the editor with collaboration in mind. To that end, multiple users can make edits to a single document at once. During a collaborative editing session, each user's contributions are displayed in real-time. With a well-coordinated team, you can work through composing and revising a document in a fraction of the time!

Turning a Files Module into a Wiki

One of the coolest new tricks you can do with TIMU Write is to turn a Files module into a functioning wiki. To set this up, start by changing the Files module's kind to 'Wiki' on the module settings page. There will be a short delay while the module configures itself, after which you can begin editing.

To add additional pages to your wiki, create a link for the page, wait for TIMU Write to autosave, then close the document. When you visit the wiki, the link will be displayed in red to indicate the page has not been created yet. Clicking the link will prompt you to create the page.

Closing Thoughts

At this point, you are equipped to hit the ground running with TIMU Write, whether you are drafting documents from scratch, editing a teammate's document collaboratively, or building a wiki in your files module. This new feature is well-integrated throughout TIMU, so your time spent here is well worth it. If you need clarification on something we covered in this post, or if you have questions, let us know in the comments section!